Microsoft gives the example of the wearer attending a baseball game and being shown live information on the action, such as pitching and batting averages displayed over the players, along with their names and past records.

Another example given is at an opera, where the background detail of scenes and arias could be displayed to the wearer in order.

Built-in GPS would tailor the information for the event, and eye tracking would allow the user to focus on different subjects and see their information.

Microsoft is pitching the system as the 'best of both worlds', as wearers would get the thrill of watching live events, but also receive all the latest information you would get while watching TV.

"Fans of live sporting and artistic events have enjoyed various types of information which is provided on different displays to supplement the live event," the filing to the USPTO stated.

"This supplemental information is provided both when the user is in attendance at the event and when the user views the event on broadcast media.

"One example of this is the augmentation of football games to display a first-down marker superimposed on a playing field in a broadcast television event, and the broadcast of replays both on broadcast television and large displays at the venue of the event."

The AR hardware could be self-contained within the glasses, or split off in a separate "processing unit" that could be placed in a pocket or worn on the wrist, with either a wired or wireless connection to the glasses.

Companies regularly secure speculative patents for technology that will never see the light of day, but wearable technology is fast becoming a key growth area for major players in the industry.

Slashgear feels that Microsoft may take the approach of a sports venue or entertainment venue providing the glasses that can work with Microsoft's AR system, similarly to the way 3D glasses are given at the cinema.